PawConnect Privacy Policy

Last Updated: February 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to PawConnect ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

Account Information: Email address, username, and password when you create an account
Profile Information: Display name, profile photo, and pet profiles you create
Content: Photos, videos, captions, and comments you post in the app
Pet Data: Pet name, species, breed, age, and health notes you enter

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

Location Data: Approximate location (when you use map-based features like Find a Vet or Dog Parks) — only when you grant permission
Device Information: Device type, iOS version, app version
Usage Data: Features used and time spent (only if analytics opted-in)
Walk Tracking: GPS route data during walks — stored locally and only uploaded if you choose to share

2.3 Information NOT Collected

We do NOT access your contacts without explicit permission
We do NOT sell your personal data to third parties
We do NOT use your content or pet data for advertising

3. How We Use Your Information

Provide and operate the PawConnect service
Display your posts and pet profiles to other users
Enable location-based services (vet finder, dog parks, groomers)
Send notifications you have enabled (likes, comments, new followers)
Improve the app and develop new features

4. Data Storage and Security

Cloud Storage: Your data is stored securely on Firebase (Google Cloud) servers with TLS/SSL encryption
Images: Photos and videos are stored on Cloudflare R2 with private access controls
Authentication: Passwords are never stored in plain text; Firebase Authentication handles all auth securely
Walk Data: GPS routes are stored locally on your device by default

5. Data Sharing

Public Posts: Content you post publicly is visible to all PawConnect users
Service Providers: We use Firebase (Google) for authentication and storage, and Cloudflare for media delivery
Affiliate Links: When you tap "Buy Now" in PawShop, we record the click (product name, timestamp) to track affiliate commissions. No personal data is shared with the retailer beyond the standard referral link
Legal Requirements: If required by law or to protect our rights

We do NOT sell your personal information to third parties.

6. Your Rights and Choices

Access: View all your data within the app
Delete: Delete your account and all associated data at any time (Settings → Account → Delete Account)
Location: Revoke location permission at any time in iOS Settings
Notifications: Disable any notification type in app Settings

7. Children's Privacy

PawConnect is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

8. Third-Party Services

Firebase (Google): Authentication and cloud storage — Privacy Policy
Apple Sign-In: Authentication — Privacy Policy
Cloudflare R2: Media storage and delivery — Privacy Policy
Apple Maps / MapKit: Location services for vet and service finder — Privacy Policy

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@pawconnect.fingrow.app